Zalcitabine

**Definition:** A dideoxynucleoside compound in which the 3'-hydroxy group on the sugar moiety has been replaced by a hydrogen. This modification prevents the formation of phosphodiester linkages which are needed for the completion of nucleic acid chains. The compound is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication at low concentrations, acting as a chain-terminator of viral DNA by binding to reverse transcriptase. Its principal toxic side effect is axonal degeneration resulting in peripheral neuropathy.

**Tree numbers:** - D03.383.742.680.245.500.950 - D13.570.230.329.950 - D13.570.230.500.925 - D13.570.685.245.500.950

**Synonyms:** - 2',3'-Dideoxycytidine - ddC (Antiviral) - Dideoxycytidine